21: Betrayal: the danger of Seeking greatness in following Jesus (Luke 9:44 – 62)

After announcing Jesus’ suffering, the author teaches us the way of following Jesus. This passage warns us the wrong attitude of those in ministry, of seeking of greatness.

👉 Read Luke 9:44 - 62

Q1. We often find it difficult to understand Jesus’ words in Chapter 9 correctly. That is why Jesus calls us to deny ourselves. The disciples misunderstood the role of the Messiah, and as a result, they also had a mistaken understanding of what it means to follow Him. Look for phrases in verses 18–62 (beginning with Peter’s confession) that reveal the contrast between the disciples’ expectations and Jesus’ teaching. 

ANS: 33, 45, (21, 27, 41, 48, 50, 55, 60)

V21: “But he strictly commanded them not to tell this to anyone.” If Jesus were proclaimed as the Messiah to people who expected an earthly kingdom, it would distort and hinder the ministry of the cross.

V27: What Jesus meant by “seeing the kingdom of God” was different from what they expected.

V33: Peter was so overwhelmed by the temporary revelation of future glory that he forgot the mission of the present.

V41: They neither recognized nor believed that the kingdom of God had already begun. As a result, they did not fully trust in the power of Jesus’ name.

V45: They could not understand what Jesus meant, nor how one of the disciples could betray Him, while they were all following Him with respect and expectation of glory. They did not grasp the radical nature of the gospel of the cross.

V48: See the question below.

V50: For those who seek their own greatness and their own kingdom, anyone who does not conform to their viewpoint is seen as an opponent. However, those who understand the bigger picture of God’s kingdom and humble themselves to be part of it can cooperate with others who may have different expressions of faith.

V55: We are not called to destroy, but to save. We should wait with patience rather than judge in quick anger.

V60: Sometimes, the ministry of the kingdom takes priority over even the most urgent matters of this world. And “the dead” cannot understand this.

The meaning of why the Son of Man had to be betrayed was hidden. The true glory of the Lord was also hidden, so that what was concealed in their hearts might be revealed.

Q2. “Whoever welcomes this child in (             ) welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes (                  ), for the one who is (         ) among you all is the one who is (         )”

“Whoever welcomes this child in ( my name ) welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes ( the one who sent me  ), for the one who is ( least  ) among you all is the one who is ( great )”

The one who serves all is the one who knows God and who was sent by God. God’s Spirit is in that person. That’s why he is the greatest.

Luke 9:50 says, “Whoever is not against you is for you,” but Matthew 12:30 says, “Whoever is not with me is against me.”

These two sayings reveal a tension between inclusiveness and exclusiveness:

• Luke 9:50 stresses inclusiveness — the disciples should not exclude others who are doing God’s work, even if they are not part of their group. 

• Matthew 12:30 stresses exclusiveness — when it comes to Jesus Himself, one must take a clear stand; neutrality is not possible. 

Together, they teach that while the community of disciples should be broad and open, true discipleship still requires a definite and wholehearted commitment to Christ. Both harmonize in one word, ‘self-denial.’

Q3. “(        ) have dens and the birds in the sky have (        ), but the Son of Man has no place to lay his (         ). No one who puts his hand to the (        ) and looks back is fit for the (               ).”

 “( Foxes ) have dens and the birds in the sky have ( nets ), but the Son of Man has no place to lay his ( head ). No one who puts his hand to the ( plow ) and looks back is fit for the ( kingdom of God ).”

Why is a double-minded not fit for God’s kingdom? The world doesn’t welcome Jesus, the King. If your heart is divided, you would not like Jesus’ way and not welcome the coming of His kingdom.

Betrayal can come not from strangers, but from those who are close. The passages in verses 46–62 suggest how even a disciple could fall into betrayal. A person who seeks greatness, desires authority, or easily becomes angry when facing opposition is at risk of turning away from Jesus. Since the Son of Man has no place to lay His head, we also must not cling to this world.